"A real Sufi is always content in all circumstances: rich or poor, hot or cold, sick or healthy. To become a Sufi, you must practice self-control to relax yourself, through music, concentration, or meditation. Once you can control yourself so that you do not feel the upheavals of emotions, you can channel your positive energy and maintain an even balance. As a result, the Sufi is always happy and can call upon his or her stored energy when needed. . .

"The Sufi changes his or her mindset to fit the results with the sense that God must have meant for these results to happen. The Qur'an says: 'But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you, But God knoweth, and ye know knot.' (2:216). . .

"Because of Sufi philosophy and my own life experiences, I've learned that the biggest disappointments are almost always followed by even greater successes or happiness. At the very moment of the disappointment, of course I am so annoyed or mad or sad as the next person, but soon after, I find myself giddy with excitement at the prospect of what is coming next. Sometimes, I almost look forward to disappointing news not only because something bigger is just on the horizon but also to see how my family is going to explain the disappointment Sufi-ly. This one aspect of Sufism is so powerful that, by embracing it, you may never have any real regrets in your life."